Prolintas group chief executive Zainudin A. Kadir said the LKSA (highway number E13), took 33 months to complete, ahead of the expected 36-month construction period.

The highway project cost RM750mil for its construction and land acquisition.

“The project was started with the land acquisition and construction simultaneously and we managed to settle the land acquisition within 12 months.

“A total of 181 lots of land — 167 in Shah Alam and 14 in Klang — were acquired for the highway. Some 159 houses were involved and they were all acquired without any problems.

“It will also be the first highway to open all toll lanes with a 100% electronic toll collection system from day one of operations. Manual toll lanes will be provided for those with Touch ’n Go cards or Smart Tags,” said Zainudin, adding that the toll plazas at Alam Impian and Sri Muda would have 18 and 20 lanes respectively.

Zainudin said those who would immediately benefit from the LKSA were daily commuters travelling between Shah Alam and Kota Kemuning.

“It provides an alternative and faster route to the existing road. It also offers a smoother traffic flow as the only link between the Federal and Kesas highways at Shah Alam.

“Before the highway was constructed, those who wanted to go to the northern side of Shah Alam (the city centre) from the southern side (Kota Kemuning) would have to use Persiaran Tengku Ampuan/ Persiaran Kayangan or Persiaran Budiman.

“Alam Impian is a new township with new and soon-to-be constructed housing projects. Hence, residents there will also benefit with the direct link from the highway,” said Zainudin.

“In fact, the highway is linked to Jalan Kebun in Klang from the Alam Impian Toll Plaza.”

On how the interchanges were determined, he said they were decided based on the existing traffic volume and a study done four years ago.

“According to the study, some 70,000 vehicles ply the two existing routes to Shah Alam daily.

“Our preliminary estimate is that 30% of that traffic volume would be reduced once the highway is in operation.”

Zainudin said 93% of the respondents in a public opinion survey done in 2006 agreed that the highway was needed, and felt it should have been constructed earlier.

Zainudin said the highway featured a mix of flat and elevated design with flyovers.